Injection Molded Slotted Angled Dome Connector

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a unique injection-molded, slotted, angled hub that connects standard timbers at predetermined angles to build geodesic domes. They form fit over the ends of multiple timbers to transfer load evenly, limit strut rotation and movement, and aid in easy construction of domes. Furthermore they include screw holes that help to snug the timbers flush into its slot to form a durable structure. Being injection molded, they are cost effective, lightweight and through multi directional load transfer, allow lightweight timbers to be used in maximizing the strength at each union. Building with molded slotted angled dome connectors one can assemble a geodesic dome without calculating angled cut for each timber.An Injection Molded Slotted Angled Dome ConnectorThis invention provides a novel one-piece injection molded hub that form-fits around timbers to form a geodesic dome without the need for angled cuts.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND PRIOR ART

The building of domes has been around for some time. The means to easily construct them using specialized hubs or connectors has been as well. Typical patents is this field are:

CA 981867 Bell, Jury DOME HUBS FOR GEODESIC CONSTRUCTION

CA 2769592 Gao WOODEN GEODESIC DOME

U.S. Pat. No. 448,240 Miller GEODESIC DOME AND METHOD OF MAKING

Though similar designs are in use, they do not form flush against the entire strut end, limiting load transfer to only select points of each strut.

DESCRIPTION OF HOW INJECTION MOULDED SLOTTED ANGLED CONNECTORS FOR GEODESIC DOMES ADDRESSES AND SOLVES A TECHNICAL PROBLEM

Injection Moulded, slotted angled connectors for geodesic domes eliminate the need to calculate and cut angles needed in traditional timber domed buildings. Traditionally multiple angled cuts would need to be used for connecting lumber pieces to form geodesic structures. With a injection moulded slotted angled connector for geodesic domes, standard lumber can be inserted to construct a structure, quicker, and potentially with more accuracy without any angles needing to be cut in the timbers. Furthermore they aid in the assembly by forming around the end of the strut and fixing easily with a screw. With this tight slotted fit, rotational forces of the struts are limited and one can easily assemble an otherwise complex structure. Other connectors only connect one surface of each strut. With a solid hub, each strut can distribute its load evenly from one end to another. This allows the common layperson the ability to build a structure without carpentry or mathematical knowledge. Other dome hub connectors for timber in traditional framing and building methods don't envelope the end of each timber, in the case of slotted angled connector; it works by fitting around each strut and screwing them firmly in place. Once assembled there is no allowance for movement of the struts. A injection moulded slotted angled connector for geodesic domes can be made of durable UV resistant plastic and limits the costs in overall shipping and production, making them a low cost simple solution. When made from plastic, they are immune from rusting like other connectors, and fit around multiple sides of the strut for load transfer. One can assemble and dis-assemble a geodesic dome structure within a fraction of the time taken using traditional means.

LIST OF FIGURES

FIG. #1

A Plastic injection molded 1v dome hub used to build an Icosahedron (a structure with only one strut length). The connector slots are made to snuggly tit common hardware timber, and have an option for permanently fastening the strut with screws. The raised center pentagon helps reduce movement or slipping of struts once assembled.

FIG. #2

The backside of the hub: The screw holes are directed into each strut once inserted and keep in it place, flush against the predetermined angle, aiding in comprehensive load transfer. The spaces between each strut are re-enforced so during assembly the struts are held in place and once assembled the entire dome is tightly secured. Furthermore the plastic re-enforcing rays that come outwards from the centre transfer load with the spaces in between reducing the weight of each hub. This is paramount to the affordability of each hub in production and shipping costs.

FIG. #3

An assembled 1v dome used slotted angled connectors. Each strut is of equal length and fit into the hubs and screwed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Injection molded slotted angled connectors are center connection pieces for the struts of geodesic domes. The 3 dimensional hub transfers the structural load evenly and provides the necessary angles needed to easily create a geodesic dome. Slotted angled dome connectors connect standard timbers with formed slots with corresponding angles to form a dome with equal strut lengths. The timber is fit firmly in the hub against the predetermined angle allowing timbers with 90-degree ends to be used.

Slotted angled connectors for geodesic domes are used to fit around and conjoin standard lumber in order to construct a geodesic dome. They have preset angles in which struts are attached which reduce the effort and time needed to erect said structure as seen in example 1 in FIG. 1. The hubs transfer the load in multiple directions, allowing the structure to have integrity and strength. With form fitting receptacles, struts are snugly fit inside the hubs, allows for ease of construction, and reducing the need for fastening in conventional ways with simple screw holes seen as example 1 in FIG. 2. Furthermore the timbers do not need to be cut at any angle other than 90 degrees. This greatly reduces the effort and time needed to build the dome. An example of a completed dome can be seen in FIG. 3, a photo of an assembled 1v dome using Injection molded slotted angled domes connectors and 1×2″ timbers.

This is an important design for empowering people to assemble stable, sturdy, and affordable structures without complex calculations or even angled cuts or even using potentially dangerous power tools. Furthermore through the process of plastic injection moulding, production costs of are lower than other materials, and are able to be recycled. This lessens the overhead in both cost and time for erecting a dome. Moreover this design transfers the load more evenly than on other dome connectors as this for fits around the entire end of each strut. In regards to assembling emergency shelters, the connectors can be shipped anywhere where timbers are prevalent, and without vast overhead and shipping costs, municipalities can receive their hubs and assemble with local supplies. The slots not only transfer load to the other struts but aid in erecting the dome while the pieces are being assembled.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INTENDED USES

With these connectors a dome can be assembled and used as a greenhouse, chicken coop, playhouse, shelter, trellis, or shed or any similar structures. 

I claim the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed or defined as follows:
 1. An injection-molded slotted angled dome connector, said dome connector which comprises an injection-moulded connector that fits lumber to form a geodesic dome.
 2. An injection-molded slotted angled dome connector, said dome connector has fixed predetermined angles that fit flush with lumber for load transfer and ease of construction.
 3. An injection-molded slotted angled dome connector, said dome connector including screw holes that fasten lumber into said connector.
 4. An injection-molded slotted angled dome connector, said dome connector including a raised centre that keeps lumber in place when assembled. 